Kelpinor, a growing sustainable aquaculture startup, has announced the launch of its first production rig at Vedkjæran, Gildeskål. Spanning an expansive 50,000 square meters, the equivalent of 8 football fields, this state-of-the-art structure will play an important role in the company's mission to substantially scale seaweed production in Norway and beyond.
The launch of this rig marks the initial step in Kelpinor's goal of scaling seaweed production and establishing a significant presence in the Vedkjæran locality. The company aims to produce thousands of tons of seaweed there annually, using its cultivated kelp to create a climate-neutral future by ensuring dependable access to renewable sources of food, energy and materials.
"This deployment signifies a pivotal moment in Kelpinor's ambitious journey to produce 10 million tonnes of kelp in the next decade."
-CEO, Hermann Peter Schips.
The launch of the rig marks the beginning of Kelpinor's efforts to establish seaweed production as a major industry in Norway and beyond, and the company excited to see the progress and impact this rig will bring as it continues to drive towards its mission.
Kelpinor has the chance to win "Peoples Favorite" - a price of 500 000 NOK. This would enable Kelpinor to launch a nearshore kelp production frame with a capacity of more than 10 tonnes of seaweed for human consumption.
Jakten på nye naturressurser, strengere krav til klimautslipp og omstilling til sirkulær bioøkonomi, baner vei for det som skal bli en global giga-næring i følge EU, nemlig taredyrking.